Thomas Wanka

UHREN-MAGAZIN, watchtime.net

COUNTRY

Germany

ABOUT

I became a watch expert, when I was probably ten years old. At that time I "fixed" the broken wrist watch of my father with a fork and removed the stubborn hair in the movement – well, today I know that this was the spiral spring. For my first communion my grandfather, who lived in the former GDR, wanted to give me a watch from Glashütte.
That was the first time I heard of the village and I will always remember the admiring tone in his voice. As well as his severe disappointment, as the supply situation only allowed a gilded Russian "Slawa". I still dearly loved the watch, but I became quickly aware of the consequences of its lack of water resistance.

In 2002 I became Editor in Chief of the UHREN-MAGAZIN. At that time I was more interested in the journalistic challenge to attract readers at the kiosk with exciting themes and beautiful photos. My watch knowledge was at the time – except for the presence of loving affection for the subject – rather underdeveloped. By many reports, reviews and readers travel to the manufactures I could fill in some gaps. The wonderful profession as a journalist has led me to many dream places and introduced me to famous people. But the most beautiful encounter was in the Louvre. Outside the opening times at night, walking past the paintings, still gives me a little shiver today. And then standing alone across the Mona Lisa eye to eye, is a moment that I am happy to remember again and again. To this day I am fascinated of the history of watchmaking. The time before the quartz era, as well as the technical dynamics of the industry, which – despite the self-imposed tradition of good craftsmanship – is constantly surprising with innovations.

Thomas Wanka

UHREN-MAGAZIN, watchtime.net

COUNTRY

Germany

ABOUT

I became a watch expert, when I was probably ten years old. At that time I "fixed" the broken wrist watch of my father with a fork and removed the stubborn hair in the movement – well, today I know that this was the spiral spring. For my first communion my grandfather, who lived in the former GDR, wanted to give me a watch from Glashütte.
That was the first time I heard of the village and I will always remember the admiring tone in his voice. As well as his severe disappointment, as the supply situation only allowed a gilded Russian "Slawa". I still dearly loved the watch, but I became quickly aware of the consequences of its lack of water resistance.

In 2002 I became Editor in Chief of the UHREN-MAGAZIN. At that time I was more interested in the journalistic challenge to attract readers at the kiosk with exciting themes and beautiful photos. My watch knowledge was at the time – except for the presence of loving affection for the subject – rather underdeveloped. By many reports, reviews and readers travel to the manufactures I could fill in some gaps. The wonderful profession as a journalist has led me to many dream places and introduced me to famous people. But the most beautiful encounter was in the Louvre. Outside the opening times at night, walking past the paintings, still gives me a little shiver today. And then standing alone across the Mona Lisa eye to eye, is a moment that I am happy to remember again and again. To this day I am fascinated of the history of watchmaking. The time before the quartz era, as well as the technical dynamics of the industry, which – despite the self-imposed tradition of good craftsmanship – is constantly surprising with innovations.